Introduction:
If you're a bread lover, you simply can't resist the deliciousness of a classic French baguette. It’s a long, thin loaf of bread with a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior. This bread is perfect for sandwiches, dipping in soup, or just eating on its own. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of making a classic French baguette that will have everyone drooling.
Ingredients:
- 500g bread flour
- 10g salt
- 10g sugar
- 7g active dry yeast
- 350ml warm water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix bread flour, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, add active dry yeast to warm water and let it sit for a few minutes until it starts to foam. Combine the yeast mixture with the dry ingredients and mix until a rough dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise:
Place the dough in a large, lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Leave it in a warm place for about an hour or until the dough doubles in size.
After the first rise, punch down the dough and knead it again for a few minutes.
3. Second Rise:
Shape the dough into a long, thin baguette shape and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the dough is rising.
4. Bake:
With a sharp knife, make a few slashes on the top of the baguette. This will help the bread expand while baking. Bake the baguette for about 25-30 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown.
Remove the baguette from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing it.